Jimenez, Anderson lead mayor's race, Robinson and Bana lead council contests: early results

Claudia Jimenez and Ahmad Anderson were the top two vote-getters in early results from Richmond's first-ever June primary Tuesday night, according to initial returns from Contra Costa County. Doria Robinson and Soheila Bana led their respective council races. The numbers reflect only a fraction of the total vote and are expected to shift in the days ahead.

The Contra Costa County Elections Division released its first results shortly after 8 p.m., including vote-by-mail ballots counted before Election Day and ballots cast at regional early voting sites. A second report with results from in-person polling places is expected around 9:30 p.m., with updates at least once an hour after that. The county's final Election Night report is expected by midnight. Even that full tally represents only about half of the total votes the county expects to ultimately receive.

The first post-election update, adding mail ballots received on or after Election Day as long as they were postmarked by June 2, will be posted by 5 p.m. Friday, June 5. Additional results will follow twice a week until the canvass is complete. Final results, including any signature cures, will be certified July 2, 2026.

Under Measure J, the Richmond Election Reform Act, a candidate must win more than 50 percent of the vote to claim a seat outright. If no one clears that threshold, the top two vote-getters advance to a November runoff. The rule applies to the mayor's race and the two contested council seats on the ballot.

Mayor's Race: Early Results

In the five-way mayor's race, Claudia Jimenez led with 3,048 votes, or 34 percent. Ahmad Anderson was second with 2,633 votes, or 29 percent. Eduardo Martinez was third with 1,964 votes, or 22 percent. Demnlus Johnson III had 827 votes, or 9 percent, and Mark Wassberg had 494 votes, or 6 percent.

If the standings hold, Jimenez and Anderson would advance to a November runoff.

All results preliminary.

City Council: District 3

In District 3, incumbent Doria Robinson led with 611 votes, or 69 percent, to challenger Brandon Evans's 275 votes, or 31 percent.

City Council: District 4

In District 4, incumbent Soheila Bana led the three-way race with 1,491 votes, or 67 percent. Jamin Pursell was second with 579 votes, or 26 percent, and Keycha Gallon had 150 votes, or 7 percent.

City Council: District 2

Incumbent Cesar Zepeda ran unopposed in District 2 and will return to his seat.

What Comes Next

If no mayoral candidate clears 50 percent, the top two finishers will meet again in November. The same rules apply in Districts 3 and 4. The next update comes Friday, June 5 by 5 p.m. Updates will continue twice weekly until the canvass is done, with certification on July 2.

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